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OVERVIEW

What is cat-scratch disease, and how do people get it?

Cat-scratch disease is an infection you can get after a cat scratches, bites, or licks you. It is caused by bacteria in cat saliva. Cats likely get the bacteria from fleas.

Cat-scratch disease is also called cat-scratch fever. Cat-scratch disease is not a severe illness in people who are healthy. But it can be a problem for young children or people who have weak immune systems. These include people with cancer, those who have diabetes or those who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of cat-scratch disease?

A red bump, sore, or blister may develop where a cat has bitten or scratched you. This could happen 3 to 10 days after the bite or scratch. The sore or blister may take a long time to heal. You may experience a low-grade fever, headache, fatigue, or poor appetite.

An infection of the lymph nodes can also develop. This happens most often in the glands closest to the scratch or bite. If the scratch is on your arm, the glands in your armpit or near your elbow may become tender and swollen.

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following problems:

• A cat scratch or bite that is not healing
• An area of redness around a cat scratch or bite that continues to get bigger for more than 2 days after the injury.
• Fever that lasts for several days after a cat scratch or bite.
• Painful and swollen lymph nodes for more than 2 or 3 weeks.
• Bone or joint pain, abdominal pain (without fever, vomiting or diarrhea) or an unusual degree of tiredness for more than 2 or 3 weeks.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What causes cat-scratch disease?

Cat-scratch disease is caused by bacteria that cats carry in their saliva. They likely get the bacteria from fleas. They can spread it to their paws or fur when they lick themselves. You can get cat-scratch disease from a cat biting, scratching, or licking you. You can also get the bacteria in your eyes if you rub them after petting a cat that has the bacteria on its fur. Many people who get cat-scratch disease do not remember being scratched or bitten by a cat.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How is cat-scratch disease diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will examine the bite or scratch and ask you about your symptoms. They may check your lymph nodes for swelling or tenderness. If a diagnosis is not clear, they may order a blood test.

PREVENTION

Can cat-scratch disease be prevented or avoided?

You can prevent cat-scratch disease in the following ways:

• Wash your hands carefully after handling your cat.
• Play gently with your cat so they don’t scratch or bite you.
• Don’t let your cat lick you, especially around the mouth, nose, eyes, or open wounds.
• Control fleas to decrease the chance that your cat will contract the bacteria.
• Don’t tease or provoke a cat.
• Avoid petting stray or feral cats.

Young cats are more likely to carry the bacteria than older cats. Households with kittens have higher rates of infection. If the kittens have fleas, the infection rate is even higher. If you are planning to adopt a cat, consider a cat that is at least 1 year old.

TREATMENT

How is cat-scratch disease treated?

In most people, cat-scratch disease clears up without treatment. Often, taking an over‑the‑counter pain reliever such as aspirin, ibuprofen (some brands: Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (one brand: Aleve) and applying heat compresses to the affected area can help relieve pain and discomfort.  If a lymph node is very large or painful, your healthcare provider may drain it to help relieve the pain.

Antibiotics may be needed if your symptoms don’t go away in a month or two. In rare cases, the infection can travel to your bones, liver, or other organs. This requires more intensive treatment.

Should cats be treated?

Most cats with the bacteria do not get sick or need treatment. Rarely, they could develop inflammation of the heart that could make it hard for them to breathe. If you are worried that your cat may be experiencing symptoms from the bacteria, contact your vet.

Living with cat-scratch disease

If you get scratched or bitten by a cat, wash the area with soap and water. Look for signs of infection over the next 2 weeks. Contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms.

In most cases, you can manage your symptoms at home with pain relievers or warm compresses